WHO declares international emergency over rare Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern following a rare Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

According to the WHO, the outbreak—caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus—has resulted in at least 131 suspected deaths and more than 500 suspected cases so far.

Health experts and aid workers say the virus spread undetected for weeks after the first known death. Early testing initially focused on a more common Ebola strain, returning negative results, which allowed the outbreak to expand before being correctly identified.

The Bundibugyo variant is particularly concerning because there are currently no approved treatments or vaccines available for it.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he is “deeply concerned about the scale and spread” of the outbreak, warning that urgent international coordination is needed to contain it and prevent further loss of life.

Health authorities in both countries are now working with international partners to strengthen surveillance, improve testing, and limit further transmission of the virus.